The science of attraction
We fall in love at first “smell.”
“Smell” is the woefully inadequate way we describe sensing someone’s pheromones — a type of scent-bearing chemical secreted in sweat and other bodily fluids. Pheromones are known to be involved in sexual attraction in animals, and research suggests that they may also play a role for people. A type of pheromone called a “releaser” — which includes the compounds androstenone, androstadienone and androstenol — may be involved in sexual attraction.
A large body of evolutionary psychology research has shown that, in general, women tend to prefer more masculine-looking men — perhaps because masculine features like broad shoulders or a strong jawline are indicators of virility and good health. But today, this doesn’t always hold true.
Leave a Comment